Chapter 60: True Knowledge is a Heavy Burden, Wisdom Often Accompanies Madness

"I want to entrust you to configure some potions for me."

Trish said straightforwardly:

"The well-known potion masters in the school charge extremely high fees, and those ordinary potion apprentices can't even make a decent refreshing potion. Since you can work at Lady Ailan's place, I assume your level won't be too bad."

Luo En raised his eyebrows: "What kind of potions do you need?"

"Mainly some potions to assist cultivation—refreshing potions, spiritual stabilization liquid, Blood Qi Potion..." Trish listed:

"Of course, if you can configure advanced potions like 'Sober', I am willing to pay a higher price."

"Sober Potion?" Luo En frowned and repeated.

This name he had seen in books; it was an advanced potion that could help meditators suppress spiritual pollution, usually only extremely seasoned potion apprentices or even professional potion masters could attempt to refine it.

And Sober Potion was also one of the important means for apprentices to resist spiritual pollution, and it could even be said that it was indispensable from the intermediate apprentice stage, so its value and production difficulty were self-evident.

"Sorry, that's not possible for now." He stated his refining level truthfully: "However, refreshing potions and spiritual stabilization liquid are no problem."

Trish nodded, not feeling disappointed: "Then let's start with those basic ones. As for the price, as fellow countrymen, I won't treat you too badly."

As she spoke, she took out a small money bag from her robe to show her financial strength:

"I signed a twenty-year service clause with the school; in exchange, it can be considered that I obtained considerable advance resources."

Luo En heard Trish's implication; she exchanged for current resources and status by signing long-term service, which was not uncommon in the school.

For apprentices with excellent aptitude, the school was usually willing to invest in advance in exchange for their future service and loyalty.

"I understand." Luo En nodded slightly: "If it's just some basic potions, I can prepare them for you. However, it will take some time; after all, I still have to work at the herb shop during the day."

"Time is not a problem." Trish said readily: "Quality is the key; is that a deal?"

The two quickly reached an agreement; Trish paid dozens of magic stone fragments as a deposit and agreed to pick up the first batch of potions in a week.

Before leaving, Trish suddenly stopped and looked back at Luo En:

"I have a feeling that your future achievements won't stop here. If one day, you can take that step..."

Speaking of this, she lowered her head somewhat awkwardly; she was a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl after all, and making these social pleasantries was really difficult for her.

Luo En shook his head, feeling somewhat amused, and walked a few steps quickly to open the door for the girl very gentlemanly:

"I understand what you mean; we are all fellow countrymen, of course we should unite, let's keep in touch more when we have time in the future."

After sending Trish away, he returned to the workbench.

Lady Ailan had already disappeared, leaving only a note on which some task lists that needed to be completed were written.

The morning time passed quietly in busyness; Luo En completed the tasks left by Lady Ailan while thinking about his next development route.

"Whispers of the Star Eater" was undoubtedly a major breakthrough, but he couldn't ignore the improvement of other skills.

At this time, the silver pocket watch in his bosom seemed to sense his thoughts, emitting a faint energy fluctuation, as if reminding him of its existence.

"Yes, there's also you, treasure." Luo En whispered in his heart, his heart filled with anticipation.

By the afternoon, Lady Ailan had already closed the herb shop's door, first controlling the active vines at the entrance to form the characters "Closed".

Only a few magic crystal lamps were left in the shop, emitting faint light.

In this dim environment, Lady Ailan's silhouette appeared more mysterious and majestic.

"Are you ready?" She asked, her voice low and solemn, completely different from her usual sharpness.

Luo En took a deep breath and nodded: "Yes, Madam."

"'Whispers of the Star Eater' is not an ordinary meditation method." Lady Ailan emphasized again, seemingly wanting to ensure Luo En fully understood the risks involved:

"Ordinary meditation methods only guide the running path of spiritual power, but 'Whispers of the Star Eater' can change the essence of spiritual power, making it undergo a qualitative change. This change is irreversible; once started, there is no turning back."

Luo En nodded solemnly: "I understand the importance of this decision and am willing to bear the corresponding risks."

"Very good."

Lady Ailan took down the ancient leather scroll from the bookshelf and opened it carefully.

The inside of the scroll was covered with dense runes, some already blurry, but the main part remained clearly visible.

In the center of the scroll was a complex rune structure, looking like dozens of basic meditation runes intertwined in some peculiar way.

"This is the core rune of 'Whispers of the Star Eater'." Lady Ailan pointed to the complex symbol and said:

"It is far more complex and dangerous than ordinary meditation runes. If your spiritual power isn't strong enough, or if your control is improper, it's easy to suffer backlash; light damage to the mind, heavy total madness."

"Of course, corresponding to its danger, it is much stronger than those advanced meditation methods in the school in all aspects. You will know its specific wonders after you get started."

Luo En observed the rune carefully, feeling the peculiar rhythm contained within.

Unlike the simple and gentle fluctuations of basic meditation runes, this rune gave one a deep and mysterious feeling, as if staring at the endless starry sky, both beautiful and awe-inspiring.

"The focus of the first stage of cultivation is to stabilize the spiritual field, preparing for contact with deeper levels of meditation." Lady Ailan explained:

"You need to fully understand and master this core rune, and then use it as a foundation to gradually expand more complex meditation structures. This process may take years, or even longer, with your current spiritual power aptitude."

In the following time, Lady Ailan explained in detail the content of the first stage of "Whispers of the Star Eater":

Including the order of rune construction, the trajectory of spiritual power operation, possible obstacles, and coping methods, etc.

Luo En listened with full attention, firmly remembering every detail in his heart.

He noticed that during the explanation, Lady Ailan's expression was abnormally focused, and even fell into some special state several times, her eyes becoming extremely distant, as if recalling some distant past.

"That's about it; the next time you need my guidance on meditation methods, it will be when you become a high-level apprentice..."

When the sky outside was approaching dusk, Lady Ailan finally stopped explaining:

"After going back, remember to go over what I said today in your mind before attempting, ensuring there are no omissions or misunderstandings."

Luo En nodded and bowed gratefully: "Thank you for your teaching, Madam."

"There's one more thing." Lady Ailan looked at him, her expression becoming abnormally serious:

"Before you start attempting to cultivate, you must ensure the safety of the surrounding environment. 'Whispers of the Star Eater' will cause fluctuations in the surrounding energy field, easily attracting some sensitive existences; it's best to prepare some magic arrays to isolate the aura before meditation."

"I will keep it in mind." Luo En promised.

When leaving the herb shop, his mind was still echoing with Lady Ailan's explanation.

That complex rune structure had been deeply branded in his consciousness, just like a seed, waiting to sprout.

Returning to the dormitory, he took out the silver pocket watch.

After a day's rest, the number on the pocket watch had reset to "0/10", indicating it could be reset again.

He got up and walked to the window, looking at the starry sky outside.

Tonight the moonlight was weak, but the stars were exceptionally bright, as if there were countless pairs of eyes watching the earth in the starry sky.